“A good novel is one that shows the complexity of individuals, and creates enough space for all these characters to have a voice; in this way a novel is called democratic - not that it advocates democracy but that by nature it is so. Empathy lies at the heart of Gatsby, like so many other great novels - the biggest sin is to be blind to others' problems and pains. Not seeing them means denying their existence.”
―
Azar Nafisi,
Reading Lolita in Tehran

“In all great works of fiction, regardless of the grim reality they present, there is an affirmation of life against the transience of that life, an essential defiance. This affirmation lies in the way the author takes control of reality by retelling it in his own way, thus creating a new world. Every great work of art, I would declare pompously, is a celebration, an act of insubordination against the betrayals, horrors and infidelities of life. The perfection and beauty of form rebels against the ugliness and shabbiness of the subject matter.”
―
Azar Nafisi,
Reading Lolita in Tehran

Read a book from each country
— 548 members
— last activity Feb 07, 2015 03:56AM
I thought this would be a good place to collect recommendations for books from various countries. I don't have a formal goal to read a book from eachI thought this would be a good place to collect recommendations for books from various countries. I don't have a formal goal to read a book from each country, but it sounds like a good way to hear about and read things I may otherwise miss. Anyone in?
Probably the easiest way to organize the posts is by country, with author/book recommendations within....more